Pubdate: Wed, 21 Jun 2017 Source: Ottawa Sun (CN ON) Copyright: 2017 Canoe Limited Partnership Contact: http://www.ottawasun.com/letter-to-editor Website: http://www.ottawasun.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/329 SAFETY FIRST! It's that time of year again, when the reminder's needed on all sorts of fronts. From water safety to fire safety to reminding folks that drinking and driving and piloting an automobile under the influence of drugs are terrible ideas. A tragedy in Stittsville over the weekend serves as just one grim reminder of our harsh world. Two teens were killed, two more left in hospital when their Chevy Cobalt crashed into a ditch. They were reportedly on their way home from a bush party. There's no early indication that drugs or alcohol were involved in this crash. But it's still a tragic and cautionary tale - for all teens and their parents. First, young and inexperienced drivers are hugely overrepresented in crashes. Parents, talk to your kids about safe driving. Second, there have long been concerns about bush parties at this time of year as grads whoop it up before heading off to a summer of work before university or whatever comes next. Parents, talk to your kids about these parties. Let them know you can always be counted on for a ride, that you won't give them a rough time for calling you, that you can be trusted. And to those attending parties - whether it's a grad party or a Canada Day party or whatever - be smart about it. You're responsible for your own safety. For instance, you've read the stories about fentanyl and how dangerous it is and that it can be found in all sorts of recreational drugs. You know that Naloxone can save the lives of those overdosing on opioids. You also know that alcohol can cause problems, and you need to ensure whoever is driving you to or from a celebration is sober enough to be behind the wheel. This is valuable information. This summer, people of all ages must make plans to protect themselves. There's a role for all of us to play - not just government. The Liberals, for instance, are steaming ahead on marijuana legalization without a proper plan on how to combat pot-impaired driving. So we need to police ourselves. We know how dangerous drugged driving can be. There must be a sustained education campaign to ensure that everyone's aware of this. And let's keep in mind safety on all fronts. It's not just about protecting against drug overdose or over-imbibing in alcohol. It's also the run-of-the-mill activities we all do. Drive safe; share the road. Follow safe boating rules and wear a life jacket. Ensure kids are supervised near pools or rivers or lakes or hiking trails near steep hills. You never know what could happen. Safety first. - --- MAP posted-by: Matt